09 April 2008

Verklempt

Anyone with a beating heart (James would say "bleeding" heart here) had to have become completely unglued upon witnessing Bill Buckner's well-deserved reception at Fenway yesterday. I saw it on the news this morning and lost it all over again. This poor haunted man standing on the pitcher's mound, tearing up amid a thunderous four minute standing ovation. This poor man who was thrown to to the dogs (or in this case, to Idaho) for one error made 22 years ago. While October 25, 1986 was a bad day for Boston, it was an even worse day for him. I think most people felt sorry for Buckner but it sure couldn't have seemed that way to him and his family. Fans lacking empathy and grey matter -- always the loudest among us -- garnered the most attention and ran him out of town with pitchforks and torches. For once, the loud ones were on the right side. Ok, I have to go cry a little more.

I found this poem "Forgiving Buckner" by a Boston poet named John Hodgens. It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you are of the beating/bleeding heart persuasion.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an excellent moment that was for Billy Buck. I'm so glad I DVR'd it - now I just need to lock it up. That poor guy didn't deserve the years of abuse. And the Boston Massholes that drove him out of town with their idiotic hatred are the same chooches that give the nation the impression that this city harbors and celebrates GED-educated donkeys.

Anonymous said...

On a humorous note - if I can credit Chris Rock. GED stands for Good Enough Diploma!

Bean Down Under said...

I log onto Boston.com to check out what is going on in Boston daily and I was mesmerized by the video and articles on Bill Buckner's reception at Fenway. Although Boston fans can be some of the hardest in the US we are also some of the smartest sports fans. Boston showed it's a class act city with the warm reception given to Buckner. At the end of the day we tell ourselves 'its only a game' but to Bill Buckner it is much much more than a game. Congrats Boston on a job well done and welcome back Buck!

Anonymous said...

EPB = positive
BG = negative

Anonymous said...

I can't believe this actually happened! I was in total shock. The words "Holy Sh@#" came into my head, but I could not say them aloud, because my students (who were watching it with me)would've been corrupted- yeah right...

I tried to explain to them the significance of the history they were witnessing, I was practically incoherent with joy and disbelief. Once again the "new" ownership has proven it truly is a class act!

...pass the Kleenex, I'm going to Idaho.

Tim Griffin said...

“ The worst nightmare is letting the winning run score on a ground ball going through your legs..... -- Red Sox's Bill Buckner being interviewed by ESPN on October 7, 1986 and unknowingly prophesying his own fate 18 days beforehand.

PS - If I EVER see Bob Stanley in the flesh... just kidding, 10 years of therapy and quality presriptions have gotten me past that bitterness :)

Anonymous said...

"Fans lacking empathy and grey matter -- always the loudest among us -- garnered the most attention and ran him out of town with pitchforks and torches. For once, the loud ones were on the right side."
_____________________________
If this were a message board, I'd say BUMP. BumpityBump.

What gives the ignorant their volume? KJ, waht do you think???

Anonymous said...

Oh yea, up there
Chris McPhearson NBTSI
Peace, ladies